The three-door version of the second-generation Wuling Hongguang Mini EV has been spied testing with very limited camouflage. There are also pictures of the five-door version. Importantly, we now have our first glimpse of what the interior looks like, and it is quite different from the first-generation car.
At the front and rear, the three-door and five-door versions of the second-generation Wuling Hongguang Mini EV are the same, but the sides are considerably different. Notably, the three-door version has much larger side doors to help with ingress and egress of the rear seats. Furthermore, there is a large side window at the rear.
From MIIT declaration information published a few months ago, we know that both the three-door and five-door versions have dimensions of 3256, 1510, and 1578 mm along with a wheelbase of 2190 mm. This is larger than the first generation car, which has dimensions of 2920/1493/1621 mm with a wheelbase of 1940 mm.
Much like the exterior, changes to the interior are evolutionary. It should be noted that currently, we only have pictures of the interior of the five-door car, but it is believed that it is largely the same as the three-door. Inside the car is still utilitarian, however, notably the car now has a central infotainment screen along with the previous digital instrument display screen. As far as itβs possible to tell from a shot through a window, it also seems that the material quality might be slightly better than before. The drive selector remains in the tight space between the two front seats, and there are also still three rotating knobs to control various functions.
Notably, as can be seen from the pictures, there still seems to be very limited legroom in the back of the car.
Powering the second-generation car is a TZ155XZ230 electric motor with a maximum output of 30 kW. Again the top speed is capped at 100 km/h. Ranges and battery sizes are currently unknown but are likely in line with those of the first-generation car which is available in 120 km, 170 km and 215 km versions.
A launch within the next few months, possibly even before the end of the year, is highly likely.
The first-generation Mini EV has been a sales sensation, breaking the 1 million mark last year after launching in 2020. However, last yearβs annual sales decreased from 404,823 in 2022 to 237,863 in 2023. With increasing competition in the segment, the new generation, particularly the five-door version, may give the Mini EV the boost it needs.
The car is one of the best sellers for the SAIC-GM-Wuling joint venture. SAIC and General Motors in China are becoming increasingly dependent on the unit for sales.
Source: Autohome
